PIKE COUNTY, Ohio – EM’s Portsmouth Site recently evaluated the use of electric mowers to provide a safer, greener future for grounds maintenance activities. Emissions from gas- and diesel-powered mowers are an estimated 30 times worse than emissions from cars and trucks, and mower engine efficiencies hover around only 20%. Using a gas or diesel mower up to 400 hours per year can produce emissions equivalent to operating over 400 passenger cars. Electric mowers would contribute to the federal goal of climate resilient infrastructure and operations. The electric mowers also would enhance safety for the workforce. Due to the low noise of the machines, workers would be able to mow without cumbersome hearing protection, thereby improving awareness of their surroundings and ensuring they hear the nuclear facility's sirens, horns and instruments. Employees also would no longer be at risk for exposure to hazardous fuels, oils and fluids from the gas and diesel mowers. Powered by lithium batteries, the electric mowers can operate eight hours on a single charge. The electric mower demonstration was conducted by North Wind Dynamics (NWD), the Portsmouth Site infrastructure support services contractor. NWD is aiming to purchase two of the electric mowers for use in spring next year, and may buy more in the future. Pictured from left are NWD employees Chris Davis, Mark Barnett, Roy Lucas and Kim Cremeans, along with EM Portsmouth Site employee Noah Lawson.